Gardening team briefed on safety procedures in a suburban garden

Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Twickenham

Gardeners Twickenham is committed to protecting the health and safety of our team, clients, visitors and the public while delivering professional gardening services. This policy sets out the standards and procedures we follow to manage and minimise risks associated with landscape maintenance, horticultural work and groundskeeping. All staff and contractors are expected to understand and apply these principles on every job, whether routine lawn care or larger planting and hard landscaping projects.

Scope and aims

This policy applies to every member of staff, agency personnel and subcontractors engaged by our company for gardening and grounds maintenance in the service area. Our aims are to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, reduce environmental harm, ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations, and continually improve safe working practices. We promote a culture where safety is integral to quality gardening services, with clear reporting and accountability.

Supervisor reviewing a risk assessment beside garden equipment

Responsibilities and leadership

Management has overall responsibility for ensuring that safe systems of work are designed, implemented and reviewed. Team supervisors are responsible for day-to-day risk control, tool checks and ensuring staff have relevant training. Each member of staff is required to take care of their own safety and that of others affected by their work and to report hazards promptly. Clear communication and visible leadership are essential to maintain safety standards across all grounds and garden projects.

Worker wearing PPE operating a mower in a maintained lawn

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

Before starting any task, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment will be carried out to identify hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, use of powered equipment, pesticides and public access. Control measures include task-specific procedures, exclusion zones, traffic management where necessary and safe work method statements for complex operations. Risk assessments are dynamic documents reviewed whenever conditions change or after any incident.

Personal protective equipment and clothing

The company provides appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear where required. Everyone must wear the supplied PPE when the risk assessment or supervisor indicates. Staff are trained to inspect and maintain PPE, and defective items must be replaced immediately. The use of PPE complements other controls, not as a substitute for safe systems of work.

Equipment and machinery maintenance is essential to safe gardening services. All tools, mowers, chainsaws, hedge cutters and small plant are subject to pre-start checks and regular servicing. Only trained and competent personnel operate specialist equipment. Fuel storage, battery charging and disposal of sharps or broken items follow safe handling procedures to reduce fire and injury risks.

Safe storage of chemical containers and labelled waste bins in a depot

Chemicals, pesticides and waste management

Use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers is controlled and follows manufacturer instructions and best practice. COSHH-style assessments are completed to identify exposures and necessary controls. We minimise chemical use through integrated pest management, favouring physical and biological methods when effective. Waste from jobs is segregated, removed and disposed of responsibly, preventing pollution and protecting habitats.

Public safety and site security

Gardeners operating in residential and public spaces must protect members of the public, pets and property. Signage, cordons and traffic cones are used where works could affect pedestrians or vehicles. Tools and materials are kept secure to prevent unauthorised access, and work is scheduled and communicated to clients to reduce inconvenience and risk. Our teams exercise courtesy and vigilance when working in neighbourhoods and communal grounds.

First aid kit and safety signage at a garden worksite Training, incident reporting and continual improvement All staff receive induction training that includes manual handling, equipment operation, emergency procedures and safe handling of chemicals. Competence is refreshed through toolbox talks, practical assessments and external qualifications where needed. Incidents, near misses and safety observations are reported and investigated; lessons learned inform updates to policies and training. Regular audits and performance reviews ensure remedial action is taken and safety performance is monitored across all gardening services.

Emergency procedures and first aid

Emergency response arrangements are in place for all sites and include first aid provision, clear evacuation routes, and access for emergency services. First aid kits and trained first aiders are available during operations. In the event of a serious incident, work stops and the scene is preserved for investigation where safe to do so. Lessons from emergencies feed back into prevention and planning.

Client responsibilities and mutual cooperation

While we strive to create safe working environments, clients and property owners should inform us of any known hazards, underground services, access restrictions or vulnerable people on site. Cooperation supports risk control and ensures the efficient delivery of gardening services in the community. Our teams will always seek to minimise disturbance and protect the landscape and wildlife.

Review and policy adoption This Health & Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually or after significant changes in work practices, legislation or following a serious incident. The policy is endorsed by senior management and forms part of the company’s commitment to responsible, professional gardening in Twickenham and surrounding areas. Safe work is non-negotiable and all staff are expected to uphold these standards every day.